Mark in Spokane comments on Ron Chernow's biography of our first and greatest public man:
'His leadership of the cabinet was characterized by open discussion with the department heads. He was insistent on the maintenance of records, even going so far as to require that all letters be recorded in triplicate. He was critical of others, but also critical of himself, demanding high standards for those who worked in his administration. Slow to come to decisions, he was perceptive and resolute once a decision was made. In the view of Jefferson, nobody else had better judgment. While not one to be either warm or effusive, Washington also never fell into the trap of adulation that would have trapped any other politician, as Chernow observes, in "idolatry." While Washington could be "cunning," he possess "no low scheming." He kept his promises, didn't scheme, and he respected the public that had placed him in office. Chernow recounts how, when asked how to function well in politics, Washington replied with the old saying that honesty was "the best policy."'
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Thanks for the link! Washington was a great man indeed...
There have been several good biographies of Washington in the past decade that illustrate the depth of the man, his ability to overcome both personal and military difficulties that would have overcome most political leaders. He is almost a tragic figure, constantly trying to avoid Fate. He understood when the time to choose his responsiblity was unavoidable, however, and, with great mental focus, he assumed responsibilities that had had little precedence. He did not choose options that were in his obvious self-interest; his reputation was forged by decisions that at the time were dangerous and against his self-interest as an affluent southern planter and respected British military officer.
After GW, and perhaps Adams I, the true republican Presidency came to an end, and the cult of personality began with Jefferson and continues in a clownish mirror today.
Post a Comment